French national apprehended in Russia accused of gathering military information.
In Russia, an individual from France has been apprehended for supposedly gathering data on the Russian military's activities. This information was disclosed by the committee responsible for examining major crimes. It is claimed that the individual has made multiple visits to Russia over the years and interacted with Russian citizens.
14:01: Lavrov affirms that Russians Sahel-States will gain further military support from RussiaRussia intends to increase its influence in the West and Central African regions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently completed a four-day visit to the area. "I've reassured our Chadian friends that Russia will keep offering valuable inputs to attain the stability of the situation in the Sahel-Sahara zone. Additionally, we'll provide extra aid, improve the readiness of their national armed forces, and train military and law enforcement personnel. This doesn't only apply to Chad but also to other countries in the region," he said, as per the Russian state news agency Tass.
13:30: Two casualties and several others wounded in Russian assaultsAs per official Ukrainian reports, two people were killed and 22 more received injuries in Russian attacks the previous day. The attacks allegedly caused civilian casualties in the areas of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro. In Nikopol, a bus was targeted by a drone, which then caught fire. A minimum of four passengers were injured in the incident.
12:57: Scholz finds Putin's sympathies for the AfD "embarrassing"The German Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, expressed his disapproval during his government statement about the positive sentiments from Russian President Vladimir Putin towards the AfD. "It's already embarrassing that you've garnered such praise from the Russian President today," Scholz stated. There was heckling from a number of AfD members prior to his speech. "You've worked hard to earn that, and the public will judge it properly." Putin had defended the collaboration between Russian representatives and the AfD (a partly right-wing extremist party) during a gathering with representatives of foreign media the evening before. "We're going to work with everyone keen to cooperate with Russia. We don't see any indications of neo-Nazism in the actions of the AfD."
12:31: Stoltenberg: Gaps in Ukrainian military support must not recurNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg states that gaps in military support for Ukraine must be averted in the future. This should be guaranteed by the Western allies. "In the past few months, we've seen some gaps, some delays in providing military assistance to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said while addressing a joint press conference alongside the Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki. Ukraine anticipates reliability and predictability from its NATO partners.
11:59: Ukraine asks for more training opportunities for F-16 pilotsUkraine is urging the United States and other Western countries to augment the training slots for Ukrainian pilots acquiring skills to utilize F-16 fighter jets. Ukraine currently lacks sufficient slots to accommodate all the pilots, as per Ukrainian sources. About 30 pilots are prepared to begin training in the United States if more positions are available, it is claimed from Kiev. However, Washington states that it only has twelve available in the training program located in the American state of Arizona. Similar issues are reported in training nations such as Denmark and Romania.
11:28: ISW: In the vicinity of Wozhansk, Ukrainian military strengthens counterattacksThe fighting near the city of Wozhansk (close to the Russian-Ukrainian border) continues. Here, the Ukrainian army aims to inflict maximum losses on the Russian military, hamper advancement, and gradually retake territory, based on remarks made by the Ukrainian Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyj and cited by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russian military bloggers suggest, as per ISW's report, that the Ukrainian military has increased their counterattacks in and around Wozhansk on Wednesday, and the leader of the military authority of the city, Tamaz Gambarasvili, indicated that Ukrainian forces have recently recovered specific positions within the city.
10:52: Ukrainian Military Intelligence destroys Russian boat in the Black SeaUkrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) has annihilated a Russian vessel in the Black Sea. This was mentioned by Kyiv Independent, quoting the HUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov. According to the report, the target was a tugboat that was by the Russian-occupied Crimea. "Another enemy ship was destroyed in the Black Sea last night. The raid by the Special Forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) was a success, and 'one enemy ship' was lost," the spokesperson stated on Ukrainian television.
10:23: Prominent Ukrainian novelist Serhiy Zhadan joins the Ukrainian armyThe renowned Ukrainian writer and recipient of the Peace Prize from the German Book Trade, Serhiy Zhadan, has enlisted in the Ukrainian army. "I have joined the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Chartia. I'm training. I've enlisted to serve the people of Ukraine," writes Zhadan online. He also posted a picture of himself dressed in camouflage clothing, armed with an automatic firearm.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlights that Ukraine is allowed to use weapons provided to them to target Russian positions not only within Ukraine but also in Russia. Ukrainian armed forces have the legal right to defend themselves against attacks on their land, cities, and citizens, according to Scholz in a statement to the German Parliament. "This principle applies to the Kharkiv area, where Russia conducts attacks from positions directly on the Russian border," he adds. "To defend themselves against these attacks, Ukraine can utilize the armaments we and our allies have supplied—as long as they comply with international legal requirements."
Russian President Putin speaks for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the international press and makes threats against the West. Putin's focus is particularly on Germany. In this context, ntv reporter Rainer Munz analyzes the statements.
Russian authorities claim that they shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean Peninsula during the night. Additionally, they destroyed six more objects over the Belgorod region and an anti-ship missile in the Rostov region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. However, these statements cannot be independently verified. The Ukrainian army also reports shooting down drones of the Russian attackers overnight (see entry at 06:54).
Ukrainian sources indicate that Russian forces have lost 515,000 soldiers in the ongoing attack on Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, 1,300 more soldiers were lost in the last 24 hours. Among the enemy losses are also 22 tanks and 48 artillery systems. A missile defense system and 40 armored personnel carriers are among the equipment lost. However, these figures cannot be independently verified.
A Russian refinery in Novoshaktinsk has halted operations due to a Ukrainian drone attack, Russian authorities reveal. A fire broke out in the refinery as a result. The work was stopped, but there were no casualties. Novoshaktinsk is one of the most important oil refineries in southern Russia and is often targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes.
KNDS CEO Ralf Ketzel says that maintaining Ukrainian tanks damaged in the Russian offensive is more challenging than initially anticipated. He states that he didn't anticipate it would be a long-term maintenance issue in Ukraine's case. "Ninety percent of the maintenance won't be handled by us; it will be conducted at the front," he explains. Ketzel further emphasizes that procuring spare parts for heavy military equipment is a complicated process. "We should also consider this if the government announces: We want to be combat-ready," says Ketzel.
Ukraine thwarts a Russian drone attack, shooting down 17 out of 18 Shahed drones in the Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Khmelnytskyi regions overnight, as per the Ukrainian General Staff on X. Two Iskander missiles were fired into the Dnipro region, although it's unclear if they were also shot down by the Ukrainian army.
Putin warns of deploying advanced long-range missiles in response to Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in Russia. If countries permit such missile use on Russian soil, Russia may station similar technology within their range, Putin tells foreign journalists in St. Petersburg. He specifically mentions American ATACMS along with British and French rocket systems. The exact location of the Russian missiles isn't specified yet.
German defense contractor KNDS's managing director, Ralf Ketzel, rules out the possibility of quick deliveries to Ukraine. "Our ability to deliver something quickly has been exhausted," he declares while speaking with web.de. "If we had made the strategic decision two years ago that this would be a multi-year war, we could provide new material today. But we couldn't have foreseen that back then."
Russia seeks to broaden relations with the Taliban, who now hold power in Afghanistan, according to Russian President Putin. "We've always believed in dealing with reality," he says at a meeting with foreign journalists at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously disclosed that Moscow aims to remove the Taliban from their designation as a banned terrorist organization, which they've been listed as since 2003.
At 3:32 AM, Julia Nawalnaja and the foundation of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Nawalny won the Freedom Prize from Deutsche Welle. Alexei Nawalny passed away under unclear circumstances in a Siberian prison on February 16th. In her acceptance speech, Nawalnaja vowed to continue her husband's work, stating, "Putin killed my husband Alexei Nawalny, but he didn't silence his ideas." She also cautioned against Russian propaganda and disinformation, especially in the European Union before the upcoming elections. Putin, she stated, was trying to spread his agenda. "He succeeds every time," Nawalnaja said. She concluded by affirming, "We will continue to fight. In the end, the freedom of speech will overcome the 'poison of propaganda.'"
At 2:44 AM, reports revealed a fire at an oil refinery in the Russian city of Novotsyugansk. This incident was preceded by several explosions. The governor of the border region of Rostov informed about a drone attack, and rescue services have rushed to the scene. The refinery was previously targeted by a Ukrainian drone attack in March.
At 1:24 AM, a US government representative spoke to reporters about the possibility of increased Russian military exercises in the Caribbean. "In the context of Russia's regular military exercises, we expect Russia to conduct more intense naval and air force exercises in the vicinity of the United States this summer," the representative stated. The exercises were not considered a direct threat to the US and were part of routine military activities, with the purpose being to show that Russia can still project global power. Meanwhile, the US Navy plans to monitor these exercises.
Putin expressed his readiness for an investigation into the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin at 00:04 AM. During a meeting with representatives of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg, Putin announced that Russia would do everything possible to help provide answers about Soldin's death, which occurred in a rocket attack near the contested Ukrainian city of Bachmut. He added, "We are ready to do that. But I don't know how it will look in practice, as he died in a war zone."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Burkina Faso on 21:51 AM, announcing that Moscow would provide additional military equipment and instructors to strengthen the defense capabilities of the West African nation. Lavrov noted, "Since the first contacts between our countries shortly after the military coup in 2022, Russia and Burkina Faso have worked very closely together in all areas, including the development of military and military-technical relations." Russia is engaging in a diplomatic offensive to establish new relationships in the region.
At 21:25 AM, Putin shared his expectations for no significant changes in US policy towards Russia regardless of the outcome of the election. During his conversation with journalists from international news agencies, Putin responded to fears of a Russian invasion of NATO territory, dismissing them as "bullshit." "Are you completely insane? Are you as dumb as this table? Who came up with that idea? It's nonsense, understand me," Putin said. He also denied any threat of using atomic weapons. "Did I raise the possibility of using atomic weapons? You did."
Putin also supported Russian cooperation with the German right-wing party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), despite it being classified as right-wing extremist in parts. He stated, "We will cooperate with everyone who wants to cooperate with Russia." Clarifying further, he said, "We see no signs of neo-Nazism in the actions of the AfD. There are no systemic relations to the German opposition party." Moscow would support any move towards normal relations with the AfD.
Putin Expects No Big Shift in US-Russia Relations After Election
Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks the outcome of the US presidential election won't significantly affect Moscow's dealings with Washington. "It doesn't make much of a difference for us," Putin said during a gathering with global news outlets in St. Petersburg. Regardless of who wins, Russia will maintain relations with the chosen US president. Initially, Putin favored incumbent Joe Biden because he deemed him more predictable. In addition, the leader criticized the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, who's challenging Biden for the November 5 seat.
Entry: 20:58 - Over 6,000 Ukrainian POWs In Russian Captivity
President Vladimir Putin estimates that over 6,000 Ukrainians are now held captive by Russia after invading their neighboring country. This figure is bigger than the number of Russian soldiers and officials being held by Ukraine, confirmed Putin at a conference with major international news agencies in St. Petersburg.
Ukraine holds 1,348 Russian detainees, while Russia has imprisoned 6,365 Ukrainians. However, these figures can't be confirmed independently. Asked about the number of Russian casualties in the conflict, Putin stated that no party discloses concrete details. However, the prisoner numbers appear to be in line with each other. Putin also asserted that Ukraine has suffered greater losses than Russia in the war. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian side insists that significantly more Russian than their own soldiers have been lost in the war.
Entry: 20:18 - Putin Warns Against German Weapons Used Against Russian Targets
President Vladimir Putin cautioned against the use of German weapons by Ukrainian troops against Russian targets, stating it would be a risky move. He said this during a sit-down with representatives of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg. Germany's supply of tanks to Ukraine last year surprised many in Russia. "If they now launch rocket attacks against facilities on Russian territory, Russian-German relations would be completely destroyed," Putin remarked. The meeting at the Lachta Center of gas giant Gazprom is part of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the first international event of its kind since the beginning of Putin's war against Ukraine.
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The Ukraine conflict continues to escalate as Russia accelerates military operations in the region. Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian president, has urged for increased military support from NATO to counteract these attacks. Recently, a French national was apprehended in Russia for allegedly gathering military information. This incident highlights the growing concern over potential cyberwar threats against Ukraine, with Russia being a suspected perpetrator. The international community remains cautious, monitoring the situation closely, as tensions continue to rise.
